Chapter 5

    Both women came to the ballroom, walked inside, and headed before the queen and the lord.
         “My lord, as you have requested I have brought Haru, Taro, and Delos to their chambers,” Selena said with a bow.
         “Thank you, Selena.” He said nodding back to her.
         “Yeah, yeah…” Selena said as she and Kasumi went to take their seats.
         “Selena, you will stand when we have guest present.” Queen Azume said turning around.
         Kasumi began growling, but Selena stopped her with a growl of her own.
Lord Tashiro looked at Selena, then turned back to Azume. “There’s no need my friend for we have to get going anyways.” He said
        “Are you sure you two don’t want to stay for the party?” Asked Azume.
        “Thank you for the offer majesty, but we have business to attend to.” Replied Asami.
        “Alright, then my friends, thank you for coming, and have a safe return to your home.” Said Lord Eien as he bowed his head shortly at them.
        “I thank you both for coming, and I am very pleased to have met you today,” Selena said as she rose from her seat and bowed.
        “I must say pup, you’re a beautiful and strong Inu, just like your mother,” Tashiro said looking at Selena and Azume.
       “Uh… thank you for the compliment, my lord.” She replied quickly with a short bow when she heard Kasumi’s growling.
       Lady Asami saw what was going on and decided to put her two cents in and tell Selena whom she really resembled. “Um Selena, would you come here a moment?” Asami asked as she waved her over.
       “Of course my lady,” Selena replied as she walked down the stairs and stood next to her.
       Lady Asami leaned in closer so she could whisper her message to Selena. “I just wanted to say, Selena, that you are a beautiful and strong Inu like your father, and very powerful as well.” Said Asami
       “I thank you both for your kind words highnesses. I wish you both well on your way back to your home.” Selena said as she heard Kasumi growl again at Asami’s words.
      “You needn’t worry about your sons they will be safe here.” Said Azume.
      “Of that, I have no doubt, my friend.” Replied Tashiro.
      “Then safe travels my friends.” Said Eien from his place.
      “We will. Goodbye.” Lady Asami said as they both turned and headed out of the palace.
      When they left the ballroom the lord and his court sat down to watch the remainder of the ball.
       Sometime later the Lord was getting worried about his daughter so he turned to Selena to see if she would be willing to go find her.
       “Selena?” The lord said leaning forward a bit to see her.
       “Yes my lord,” Selena said as she turned towards him slightly. Though he was her step-father she found him rather handsome. He’s a black lion chaiura that has his blue-black hair put up in a high ponytail on top of his head. He was wearing a light brown hakama and haori, with a black sash tied around his waist. Black boots were on his feet and a sword draped across his back.
        “I am getting worried about your sister, would you be so kind and go check on her for me?” He asked her.
        “Yes my lord.” She responded and then got up from her seat and headed for the door out of the ballroom.

~Selena’s POV~

        Just as she reached the door of the ballroom, she felt that someone was near and was just out of sight waiting to follow her. She knew exactly who it was and paid him no mind and walks out of the ball chamber and into her mother’s gardens to find Sierra.
        Already knowing where Sierra was by her aura Selena found it no use to actually go and find her so she decides to go, sit under a tree, and relax. Just as she sat down under the tree she felt Delos coming outside into the gardens, but what surprised her was when he jumped into a tree and had started coming towards her. She sat there and waited until he was closer to tell him she had already sensed him. With all her focus on Delos, she never noticed that Doshi was just coming out of the ball chamber heading towards them.

~Doshi’s POV~

        From his seat in the ballroom Doshi watched as Selena went and did what the Lord asked and watched as she headed towards the door, but when she stopped right before going out he became suspicious as to why she did so. When she left the ballroom he noticed Delos appear and follow her out the room.
       To make sure he wouldn’t do anything to his mate, he got up from his chair silently and followed both of them out of the ballroom. Once outside the room, he had to hide his aura and senses so he wouldn’t be detected and headed silently towards Selena’s aura. Coming to stand right behind the huge tree she was sitting under and waited to see what was going on.

~Delos’s POV~

        Delos finally saw his chance in getting closer to Selena so he waited until she was out of the ballroom and followed after her. When he got outside he sees Selena getting ready to sit under a tree and figured that this was the perfect moment to go and talk with her.
        He decided to jump into a tree and head over to her to see how long it would take her to notice him in the tree. What he didn’t realize was that she had already sensed him the moment he entered the gardens.
       When Delos arrived at Selena’s location he waited to see how long it would take her to sense him there. He didn’t have to wait long as Selena spoke up.

~End of Delos’s POV~

       “Delos, what are you doing in that tree?” She said smirking as he jumped down from the tree to land in front of her.
       “How did you know it was me?” He asked her.
       “I sensed you because you forgot to hide your aura and scent when you came outside.” She giggled lightly at the look on his face.
       “Ha. Well, I guess I’ll have to remember that then. Won’t I?” He said smirking.
       “No, he didn’t forget he’s just too stupid to remember.” Said Doshi’s beast. “I believe you are right on that beast. He is rather dense.” Doshi replied to his beast not knowing that he just gave himself away by talking with himself.
       Selena giggled from her spot when she heard what Doshi just said to his beast.
“I don’t think he wanted me to hear that,” Selena said to herself as she blocked her thoughts. “Oh well might as well let him think I didn’t hear him.” She said again to herself and turned slightly looking at Delos. “So what are you doing outside?” She asked him.
       “Hn… Wasn’t it you just not an hour or so told me that I can go anywhere in the palace that I wish?” He stated with a smirk.
       “Ummm…” She began as she started blushing, and quickly turned her head away.
       “Ha. It’s ok. I just came outside to see if you were ok. Your mother said that you had gone outside to  look for your sister.” He said.
       “You are correct. I was looking for her, but why should I when I can feel her aura over there.” She responded pointing to the left.
       “Ah, I guess you’re right. Would you mind if I sit by you a while?” He asked her.
       Thinking about it she looked back where Doshi was standing without turning her head and looked back at Delos. “It’s…” She began as Doshi came from around the tree.
Delos looked at him and growled softly at him. He wanted time with his female and Doshi just had to show up.
       “Hey, Selena, what’s up. I thought you were out here looking for Sierra?” He asked smirking when he noticed Delos growling at him knowing he just spoiled his time with Selena.
       “I was, why?” She asked already knowing the reason he came out of hiding behind the tree.
       “No reason.” He said plopping down next to her.
       “Doshi what are you doing?” She asked him with a raised brow.
       “Same as you I guess came outside for some fresh air.” He said taking a deep breath.
       “Excuse me, but Selena and I were having a conversation,” Delos said.
       “Oh I’m sorry; I didn’t realize I was disturbing you.” Responded Doshi as he looked at him.
      “Well you are, and I would appreciate it if you would go somewhere else,” Delos said as his growling increased.
      “Who are you to tell me where to go in my own home?” Doshi said rising to his feet.
      “Guys come on,” Selena said as she too stood up looking between the two.
      “I am my own person, and I would appreciate it if you would be so kind and leave Selena and I alone,” Delos said as he moved closer to Doshi.
      “I don’t care who you think you are, but you can’t tell me to go anywhere I don’t want to go, and right now I want to stay right here,” Doshi said putting an arm around Selena.
      “Guys?” Selena said by Doshi’s side. Suddenly Selena felt a sharp pain in her head and she reached up to rub it.
      “Alright, what is it going to take for you to step away from my female?” Delos said stepping even closer to Doshi.
      “Your female? I see no mark upon her person. So she doesn’t belong to you.” Doshi said as he pulled Selena behind him, closed the gap between them, and started growling louder.
       Standing behind Doshi Selena clutched her head. It was beginning to hurt worse, and she didn’t know what the cause was. She sighed and tried to tune out her pain and focus on the guys.
       “Oh, you better believe she will belong to me. After the competitions, she will be mine, and no one will be able to take her away.” Delos said.
       “You wanna bet that someone will definitely take her away from you before the second competition even starts.” Doshi bit back.
       “Who’s going to take her away from me? Ever since I came into her life there’s only been one other, and he moved away.” Delos asked smirking not realizing his big mistake.
       “Ha, you obviously don’t know anything. I will be the one to take Selena from you.” Doshi replied as he sensed something was wrong, but so intuned to Delos he decided not to pay attention.
       Still standing behind Doshi, Selena was now holding her head with both hands. Her head felt like there were little shocks shooting off in her head, and if it didn’t stop soon she didn’t know what was going to happen. She tried even harder to tune out the pain as she tried to listen to the conversation going on.
       “You... You can’t have her she’s your sister.” Delos said.
       “Ha, that’s where you’re wrong. She isn’t my sister any longer. So that gives me free rein over making her, my mate.” Snapped Doshi.
        Selena not being able to contain the pain any longer knelt on the ground behind Doshi still holding her head.
        “Doshi,” Selena said calling to Doshi in his mind.
         Hearing Selena’s silent pained call turned around to look at her and noticed that she was on the ground holding her head whining softly.
       “Selena,” Doshi said kneeling next to her. “What’s wrong?” He asked her softly.
       “I don’t know, one minute I’m fine the next I’ve got a shooting pain in my head,” Selena said releasing her head to look at him.
       “A shooting pain? Do you know where it came from?” Delos asked kneeling in front of her.
      “No, I don’t. It started the moment you two started fighting.” She replied bringing up her hand once more to rub her forehead. “It seems to be lessening now.”
      “I think I know what happened,” Doshi said.
       “You do? What could it be?” Asked Selena.
       “Hn…” He sounded as he thought and then raised his hand to her forehead and used his power to find the source of her pain. When he found out that it was his own power that was causing her pain; he used some of his healing powers to heal her. “There, how are you feeling now?” He asked her.
       “The pain is gone. How did you do that?” She asked wide-eyed.
       “The pain you felt when Delos and I were arguing was my power trying to protect you from inside your body. It was meant to give you more power to help protect yourself better. Unfortunately, you are not fully trained in your new powers to control them. So instead of helping you it reversed itself and began attacking your own powers.” Doshi said as he watched her reaction.
       “You did this to her?” Delos asked growling.
       “Not intentionally no,” Doshi replied quickly as he shook his head.
       “I see,” Selena said thinking about what she was told. If what he said was true, the powers were only meant to protect her. That made her warm inside to know that Doshi was just trying to protecting her.
      “I apologize for the pain it caused you,” Doshi said rubbing her back softly.
      “It’s ok Doshi; I knew it wasn’t your fault,” Selena said standing up.
      “But Selena if it wasn’t for him, you would still be in terrible pain,” Delos said turning her to face him.
      “I know, but I’m fine now. No need to worry.” She said backing away a little bit.
      “No, it’s not ok. If this should happen again. It may kill you.” Delos said growling a little.
      “Delos don’t you growl at me. I know Doshi’s sorry for what happened. It wasn’t his fault that the powers reacted on their own. It was all caused by the two of you fighting. I want you to stop it now.” Selena replied with her own growling.
      “She’s defending you. Mate is defending us from that male.” Said Doshi’s beast.
      “I know beast she will make the perfect mate, but first I need to calm her down,” Doshi replied to his beast and raised his hand and gently laid it on her shoulder.
      “Selena I just wanted to protect you. I don’t want to see you hurt by anyone.” Delos said softly and then looked at Doshi behind her.
      “I would never hurt her, and she knows that,” Doshi replied raising his voice.
      “Guys you need to stop fighting, and you need to stop fighting now,” Selena growled as her power rose up around her. She was going to stop this and stop it now before the fighting escalated again and the powers attack her again.
      “Forgive me, my lady. For now please excuse me I will speak with you again soon.” Delos said bowing shortly before walking off.
      “I’m sorry as well. I shouldn’t have acted like that especially in front of you.” Doshi said.
      “No need to apologize, Doshi, I know you meant well,” Selena responded.
      “So shall we sit? I know you need a little rest after all that.” Doshi said as he guided her to sit in her spot under the tree.
      “Sure Doshi, but we can’t stay for too long.” She said sitting back down under the tree with Doshi sitting next to her.
      Just then the wind started to blow, and not realizing what she was doing laid her head upon Doshi’s shoulder. When she felt him look at her, she realized what she was doing and quickly lifted her head.
      From Doshi’s position, he was in pure delight as he felt Selena put her head on his shoulder. When she quickly removed her head he wondered why and decided to ask her.
      “What’s wrong?” He asked her.
      “Nothing I just thought it inappropriate to put my head on your shoulder,” Selena said.
      “It's fine, you may put your head on my shoulder anytime you wish. You don’t need my permission for that.” Doshi said as he shifted to get comfortable and watched her.
      “Alright then.” She said as she stood from her spot next to Doshi with a smile.
      Doshi watched her from his spot and wondered what she was going to do and was surprised when she sat down in his lap and blushed lightly.
      He smiled as he turned her sideways so that she was leaning against his chest and wrapped his arms around her waist as he pulled her body into his and started a low growl like purr to make her relax.
      Selena felt Doshi’s chest vibrate. It was a soothing feeling as she relaxed into his hold.          They sat there in silence as Doshi began scratching her back lightly with his claws, and he felt as she fully relaxed in his arms.
     “Selena, may I ask a question?” He asked her.
     “Yes, of course, you can.” She said sighing lightly as he continued scratching her back.
     “While I was looking for my chamber earlier in your wing, I heard something that perked my curiosity, and wanted to know about it.” He said as he stopped scratching her back and put his chin on top of her head as he looked off into the gardens.
      “Alright, what was it that you heard?” She asked starting to blush as she buried her face in his arm.
      “I heard two things, first was that you called that woman mother, and the other was about your stripes.” He said to her.
      “You heard that did ya? You heard correct when you heard me call that woman mother, she has been more of a mother to me in these few short hours than mother ever has. So when we met I asked her if she would be my new mother and she agreed.” She said putting her head on his shoulder and looked out into the gardens.
       “Alright. So what about your stripes?” He responded.
       “What was it you wanted to know about them?” She asked.
       “Well for one how did you get mine, and also how you got the golden stripe going through them.” He said picking up her wrist gently and looked at them.
       “I received yours because of the amount of power you gave me when you helped me transform, and the gold ones are from Kasumi. When she became my new mother I changed to resemble her. Which is why I have gold stripes integrated with mine, and gold stripes in my hair?” She said with a light blush on her face.
       “Wow, I had no idea that my powers could do something like that.” He said thinking.
       Just then on the other side of the gardens, Selena caught another aura that she didn’t know approaching Sierra, and wanted to go see who it was going towards her. She growled lowly as she rose from her comfy seat on Doshi’s lap and turned towards Sierra’s aura
       “What’s wrong?” He asked as he to stood up, and then continued softly, “What is it?”
       “Hn it seems Sierra’s going to have a bit of company, want to come with me and see who it is?” She asked looking back at him.
       “I would love to.” He replied walking next to her.
       Selena nodded to him and they both hid their aura and senses, and they started off in the direction they felt Sierra was in. Suddenly coming up behind a shrub they hear her sitting on a bench talking with someone. Getting closer they realized it was Eris she was talking to.
       “Hn… It’s Sierra and Eris, but what are they wearing, and why didn’t I sense Eris there with her?” She asked herself.
       “I don’t know maybe we should go find out.” He states as he starts to walk towards them.
        “Wait.” She said putting up her arm to stop him. “Let’s just see what happens.”
        Doshi turns to her and nods, he takes her hand in his and they both looked to see what was going to happen.
        “Oh, isn’t it beautiful Eris, it’s the first blue rose of the season?” She said to Eris cupping the rose in her hand.
        “It is. Just make sure Selena doesn’t find out you’ve picked one of her roses, she will be quite angry if she does.” She said to Sierra.
        “Don’t worry she won’t find out.” She replied back, and Selena smirked from her spot.
        As Sierra was sitting there admiring the rose, a dark shadow fell over her. From Selena’s spot she could tell who it was and wondered what he was doing, and most of all what he was wearing.
        “That’s Haru, but why is he sneaking up on her and why does he look like that?” She asked herself silently.
       “I don’t know why he’s doing that, but it looks like he did change his appearance, just like Sierra and Eris did.” He said looking on.
       “Ah, so that’s probably why they all look like that,” Selena said turning her attention back to her sisters. “I have to learn that trick.” She said to herself.
       “Huh, what was that? Not trying to get away are ya?” He asked and smirked knowing that he had heard her thoughts.
       “I don’t know what you’re talking about. I didn’t say anything.” She said back as she turned back to see what was going to happen.
        From Doshi’s end, he stood there smirking as he watched her reaction. She was lightly blushing as she turned back to watch Sierra and Eris. Suddenly their ears picked up them beginning to talk.
        “You. What are you doing there?” Haru asked as he walked up closer to Sierra.
Sierra stood with such speed that she nearly made this stranger fall over.
        “Who are you?” Sierra asked while putting her hand on her chest out of breath. “You scared me half to death.” She asked him but he just stood there staring down at her. “Well, aren’t you going to answer me?” She asked again.
        “Hn… I wonder are all the servants in this place rude like you?” He asked her.
        That was all Sierra needed to hear, she snapped the moment he called her a servant. Her eyes burned with rage and her fists were clenched by her sides, she stared straight at the unknown prince.
        “Who do you think you are, and what do you think you’re doing bossing me around; do you have any idea who I am buster?” Sierra asked slowly walked towards him.
        “Do you really expect me to be afraid of a servant?” He burst out laughing once more and she came dangerously close to him, invading his personal space. “I wouldn’t do that if I were you!”
        “Or you’ll do what?” Sierra said jabbing him with a finger.
        He was completely taken back by the fact that she had the audacity to touch him, he was too shocked to even reply, so he just stood there, with his mouth gaping.
       “Who do you think you are buddy? You come into my domain, my palace, my life and you treat me as if I were a servant! You will pay dearly for this.” Sierra said as her voice got louder as she talked.
        “Sierra’s yelling at Haru, not good,” Selena said quietly from her spot.
        “Maybe we should go stop them?” Doshi said quietly to her.
        “In a minute this is too good, I want to see the rest,” Selena said as she turned her attention back to the fighting pair.
         Sierra’s eyes were slits and she poked him to emphasize every word slowly pushing him back, unbeknown to her he was backing right into a low hedge. She saw his arms flying around for something to grab onto, the look of shock on his face, heard his cry as he fell, and the crunch as he hit the ground.
        “Ok now we can stop this,” Selena said standing up with Doshi in toe. He nodded to her and they began walking around the wall of bushes.
        Sierra couldn’t help but laugh, as she hears him getting up from the ground.
        “Alright that’s it; no one laughs at the Prince of Tetra and gets away with it,” Haru said growling.
        As soon as Haru said those words, Sierra’s breath caught in her throat. She was just about to reply when Selena and Doshi came from around the wall of bushes.
        “Oh Sierra, there you are I’ve been looking all over for you, Argh! What are you two wearing? You know mother doesn’t like you wearing those clothes, especially outside when we have guests here.
        “But Selena. I just wanted to be comfortable.” Sierra replied.
        “No buts. Get inside the palace, and get ready for the ball, it will start soon.” Selena said pointing to the palace.
        Selena rambled on so much she didn’t hear the frantic movement in the bushes until she had finished talking. She looked over and saw a very pale, and very afraid prince kneeling behind the bushes, he managed to stammer.
        “Y… You… You’re the la… Lady Sierra?”
        The smirk on Sierra’s face confirmed his fears, and now he was in hot water, no wait, more like drowning in it. Haru stared at the smirking princess before him, how could he have been so stupid, even with her hair down she looks exactly like the queen and the lord.
        “Hn… Well are you going to get up off the ground or what? As much as it amuses me to see you face down in the dirt, my mother wants you to be as comfortable as possible, and I don’t think being on the ground would be all that comfortable.” Sierra said smirking.
        Haru resisted the urge to resort and stood, brushing himself off growling as he did so. In the meantime Selena was standing there, eyes wide, blinking and looking from one to the other as if she missed something.
        “Sierra, what’s going on here? Don’t tell me you’re going to do that again?” Selena said putting her hands on her waist.
        Both Doshi and Haru looked on wide-eyed as Selena went from grace to a three-year-old girl. She wailed at her sister who just stood there, one hand on hip and the other held her head.
        “Selena, don’t do this please!” Sierra asked pleadingly.
        “Yes, I‘m going to do this. I’m going to tell mother what you are doing.” Selena retorted back.
        “But Selena you know I don’t want to be married or mated right now. Especially to that jerk!” She turned on her heel and stormed off with Eris right on her heels.
        Just then Sierra’s handmaidens came out to see what was wrong.
        “What’s her problem?” Haru asked.
        “You seriously don’t know? Sierra doesn’t want to marry, and because of this she has driven away all of the suitors that have come to ask for her hand.” Selena replied.
        “Well my lady, she’s in for a rude awakening, because I don’t give up so easily.” Replied Haru.
        “Hn…” She sounded before saying, “If you want my help, I have a good idea that may help you. First Shiko, Mica!” Selena started as she snapped her fingers.
        “Yes, my lady. “ They said as they came up to her and bowed before her.
        “I want you two to go after Sierra, and make sure she gets ready for the ball,” Selena said folding her arms.
        “Yes my lady, it shall be done.” They said as they both bowed once more and took off towards Sierra’s quarters.
        “So, what do you have in mind?” Haru asked.
        “Well… I was thinking to make her really jealous of me.” Selena said turning back to the boys.
        “I don’t think that will be a good idea, Selena.” Said Doshi.
        “It will be fine, don’t worry,” Selena replied winking at him.
        “So how will you do that then?” Asked Haru.
        “First of all, I need you both to trust me, if not my plan won’t work.” She said putting a hand on Doshi’s shoulder.
        “I trust you completely.” Replied Doshi.
        “So do I, but are you sure your plan will work?” Haru asked a little skeptical 
        “Just trust me and it will work, follow my lead in the ball chamber ok,” Selena said.
        “Ok then, if you’re sure. I’ll meet you in the ballroom soon.” Said Haru as he turned to leave.
        “Alright,” Selena said and watched as he walked off to prepare himself, when he was out of sight she turned to Doshi. “Doshi I know this may be out of line for me to say, but I need you to completely trust me when we go back into the ballroom for the ball tonight. I have to do a few things that you may not like to see, but the plan will have to be done my way for Sierra to fall for my plans.”
        “Whatever you are going to do, you can trust me completely. No need to worry.” Doshi said putting an arm around her shoulder.
        “Thank you so much, Doshi, I knew I could count on you,” Selena said smiling up at him. Just then Kasumi came up to them.
        “Ah Selena, there you are. I was sent to come and look for you.” Kasumi said.
        “Yes, sorry it took me so long. There were a few complications that needed to be taken care of.” Selena said.
        “You don’t need to apologize pup; I knew what you were doing the moment you two went outside,” Kasumi said back.
        “Oh yeah, so does that mean you’re not mad at what happened earlier?” She asked her mother.
       “No I’m not mad, it wasn’t his fault that his powers backfired when it did. Your father did the same with me, and sometimes it would do that. His power should combine with yours soon enough.”
       “Alright then let’s go let the lord know what’s going on, and then head up to change for the ball,” Doshi said from his spot.
      “Alright,” Selena said, and they all began heading back to the ballroom.

~oOo~

       When all three of them arrived inside the room they walked up to the lord.
       “My lord.” Selena walks up before him.
       “Yes, Selena,” Eien said from his seat next to Azume.
       “Sorry for taking so long in finding Sierra, my lord,” Selena said with a short bow.
       “It’s alright Selena. Where is she now?” He asked her.
       “She’s in her quarters getting ready for the ball. I made sure to tell her maids to get her ready.” She replied back.
       “You have done well, thank you. You three may go and get yourself ready also.” Eien said as he waved his hand.
       “Yes my lord.” They all said as one and turned and left the ball chamber heading to Selena’s wing. Each went into their chambers and began getting ready for the ball.

Chapter 4

       When they arrived at the palace they put their horses in the stables. Selena fixes her clothing, puts her mask and hood back on as she nodded to the others while putting up a barrier around her new mother, and they did the same.

        When they were all ready they all headed inside the palace and headed to the throne chamber where they knew the queen was going to be. When they reached the throne chamber the guards standing there halted their entrance.

       “Halt!” Said the guards.

       “Let me handle this one sister.” Eris looked to Selena for approval, when she saw her nod she continued. “We are the queens’ pups and we demand you let us pass.” 

      “We cannot allow you four to enter the throne chamber.” Said one of the guards.

      “Why not, do you not sense that we are the queens’ pups?” Selena replied growling.

      “No, you don’t because you don’t have the same scent as the queens’ pups. I’m sorry but I can’t allow you to pass.” Replied another guard.

      “I’ve had enough; you will let us in now!” Doshi said growling getting ready to strike them with his claws.

       “Enough!” Selena growled out and everyone present turned to look at her.

       Selena raised her hand and with her powers pushed the guards out of the way knocking them out and they all headed inside. Once they were inside the guards woke up and came towards them. They quickly caught them bounding their hands together, and took them to see the queen.

       Inside the throne room, the queen was waiting for her pups to come back when there was a loud ruckus outside the chamber and waited to see what was going to happen. When the ruckus outside the chamber stopped in walked her guards with a group of people in their grasps.

       “Your Majesty.” One guard said as he stepped forward.

       “What’s going on here?” The queen asked from her thrown.

       “My lady, we caught these chaiura trying to enter the throne chamber to see you.” The guard said as he waved his hand. When he did so the other guards threw the group to the ground and held them there.

       “Not this again.” Selena sighed and bowed her head.

       “Just what I was thinking,” Doshi says silently to her.

       Queen Azume looked over each of the chaiura on the floor to determine if she could tell who they were. When she couldn’t she decided to ask her questions.

      “What business do you have with me?” The queen asked looking over each one of them.

       “Mother it’s us!” Replied Eris struggling in the guards' grasp.

      “Silence girl.” Said one of the guards shocking her with something.

      “These three here claim to be your pups majesty.” Said the first guard as he pointed to Doshi, Selena, and Eris.

       “My pups?” The queen said rising quickly from her thrown growling. “Untie their hands… Now!” The queen demanded trying to calm herself.

       “Yes, majesty.” The guards replied as they did what they were told.

The guards untied all their hands and all of them stood waiting to see what the queen would do next.

       “The three pups claiming to be mine come stand before me.” The queen said.

Selena, Doshi, and Eris walked forward towards their mother, while Kasumi stood in shock that their own mother would do that to them. Azume went up to each pup and removed all of their clothing from around their faces, and looked into each of her pups eyes surprised that they returned.

       “It’s you my pups.” The queen said.

       “My lord and ladies we’re so sorry. We hadn’t known.” Said one of the guards.

Selena looked at the guards and started growling her displeasure. 

       “Selena.” Kasumi said sternly.

        Selena looked at her step-mother and nodded her head in understanding, and then turned to her mother.

      “You all are dismissed.” The queen said with a wave of her hand.

      “Yes, majesty.” They all said as one as they hurried back out the door to stand guard.

       “So who may I ask is this?” The queen asked looking at Kasumi.

       “Mother this is Kasumi she’s a friend of mine I met at fathers and she’s here to help me train more for the competition. I hope that will be fine?” Selena stated with a slight growl to her voice.

       The queen looked at Kasumi, and then back at Selena.

       “I’m so happy that you three have returned.” She said with a slight smile and continued,         “I have no problems with her staying here Selena.” The queen replied.

       “Good,” Selena said as she turns to leave with Kasumi in toe, but her mother stopped her.

       “Selena, will you, Eris, Doshi, and your friend come to the ball we’re having later on?” The queen asked hopefully.

       “I don’t know why I should mother.” She folds her arms while still looking away from her mother and continued, “I still have a lot more training to do before the competition, and I don’t need any distractions.”  

       “Please Selena, you’ll have fun I promise?” The queen asked as she reached out to put a hand on her shoulder, but was met with growls and quickly pulled her hand back.

      “Fine mother I will attend. I’m not sure about the others though I can only vouch for myself.” Replied Selena. “You may accept for me as well Selena.” Said Kasumi in Selena’s mind. “Kasumi will be attending as well mother.” Replied Selena.

      “I will go to, mother.” Replied Eris. 

Then they turned to Doshi to see if he was going to come as well.

      “I will go as well.” Replied Doshi as he looked at Selena, turned and left the throne chamber to prepare for the ball.

      “Thank you all, I know you’ll have fun.” Said the queen.

      Selena gave a short nod and she and Kasumi walked out of the throne chamber together and headed for Selena’s wing. Eris did the same and went to her own wing.

       “Selena?” Kasumi said to get her attention.

       “Yes.” She replied looking at her.

      “I never knew that your mother treats you that way. I’m so sorry pup. Now I see why you wanted me to be your mother instead of that woman.” Kasumi said putting an arm around her waist.

       “It’s ok mother. That’s the way it’s always been, it’s only in the company of others that she’s kind to me, but you have no reason to be sorry for that woman’s actions.” Replied Selena.

      “Alright I accept that for now, but my decision stands about being your mother and teaching you everything you need to know,” Kasumi said giving her a little squeeze. 

      “I thank you so much for that,” Selena replied hugging her back.

      Soon they came upon Selena’s wing and Kasumi looked on in awe at the scene before her. It was beautiful to her eyes and rightfully suited for her pup.

       “So which chamber shall I be staying in?” Kasumi asked looking at the many chambers.

       “Well we’re in the northern wing, and all of the chambers in it belong to me. You may have any that you wish. They were all crafted with indoor hot and cool springs in them if you want to relax.” Selena replied looking at her mother with a smile on her face.

       “Wow, the whole northern wing is yours?” Kasumi said looking around once more.

       “Yes, father had seen to it that all of his pups had their own wing to do with as they saw fit and because I am his eldest daughter I had the second pick. Armon my older brother got the western wing.” She said looking around as well.

       “I’m so glad you have your own space my pup,” Kasumi said.

       “Me too, now let’s pick you out a chamber, and get you settled in,” Selena said as she began looking for the right chamber.

       “Alright, but if I may ask pup.” When she saw Selena look at her she continued. “I would like a chamber close to yours so I can look after you while I’m here.” She said walking up next to Selena.

       “That will not be a problem mother; you may have the chambers next to mine. That one joins with mine.”

       Kasumi nodded and said, “That would be perfect.”

       They continued walking until they got to Selena’s main chambers, she opened her door and let Kasumi walk inside first.

      “Wow, this chamber is so beautiful my pup,” Kasumi said looking around the chamber.

      “Just wait till you see yours,” Selena replied giggling. Not thinking to look at herself in her mirror as she passed her new mother. 

      “If it looks as good as this one, I know I will be impressed,” Kasumi replied.

       Selena walked to the western wall of her own quarters and pressed three points on the wall and a door suddenly began to open. Selena turned to Kasumi with a smile.

      “Hm... Impressive.” She commented.

      Selena turned with a smile on her face and said, “Thank you. I will now leave you to help yourself to anything that you will need. If a servant is needed you need only pull the blue cord hanging from the ceiling and a servant will be there.” 

      “Alright I will be on my way, and I’ll be ready soon,” Kasumi said getting ready to go in her chamber.

      “Ok mother, and thank you,” Selena said.

      “You’re welcome my little one. Oh and Selena, why don’t you look in your mirror at your new form, I think that you’ll like it.” She said with a slight giggle to her voice as she disappeared into her new chamber.

       Kasumi walked into her chamber surprised at the size of it, she looked for the blue cord that Selena had mentioned and went to summon a servant to help her get ready. 

      Selena then turned and did as her mother had said and finally noticed her new form, and figured that it was because of her new mother. She smiled and went to begin getting ready.

~oOo~

       About an hour later Selena’s partially ready when she hears someone knocking on her door. Knowing full well who it was she answered anyway.“Who is it?” 

       “Selena, it’s me, may I come in?” Sierra answered from the other side of the door.

       “Sure come on in Sierra. I’m just getting ready for the ball.” She replies with a sigh. 

       Sierra came into the chamber and sat down on Selena’s bed. That was when she noticed the new sword on Selena’s bed.

       “Wow, what a beautiful sword.” She began as she reached out to touch it. “Where did you get it?” She asked as if in a trance.

         Noticing Sierra in some kind of trance looking at the sword, she grabbed it quicker than Sierra could blink.“Don’t ever touch what’s mine again. If mother failed to tell you where we were then I owe you no explanation.” Selena growled out. 

        “Ok gees don‘t get so touchy, I won’t touch it I promise.” She said as she finally got a good look at Selena. “Hn? Selena, you look different, did you change something about yourself?” She asked.

        “I have recently transformed, and this is what I looked like after the transformation completed.” Replied Selena as she sat down in front of her mirror.

        “Oh, will I ever transform like you?” Sierra asked curiously.

        “I’m afraid not Sierra, you are not like me and won't transform as I did, but you will transform one day like mother, and your father,” Selena replied.

        “Why won’t I transform like you?” Sierra asked.

        “The reason is simple. You don’t have my father’s blood coursing through your veins,” replied Selena.

        “I don’t understand, don’t you and I have the same father?” She asked with a raised brow.

        “No, in fact, you and Arion have a different father than the rest of us do.” Replied Selena turning to look at Sierra.

        “Will I ever transform, and be as powerful as you?” 

        “I’m sure you will someday. Just use the powers that mother and your father gave to you, and you will do fine.” Selena replied just as there was a knock on her door. Knowing who it was answered anyways. “You may enter Eris,” Selena said to her through the door turning to look at herself in her mirror.

          Eris walked in and took a seat next to Sierra on Selena’s bed, and noticed Selena beginning to get ready for the ball.

         “So Selena, where’s that woman that came back with us?” Asked Eris.

         “She’s in her chamber relaxing at the moment, why?” Selena replied with a raised brow.

         “You brought someone here?” Sierra asked looking between the two. 

         “Yes, Sierra.” She answered with a sigh.

         “Who is she?” Sierra asked.

         “She’s my new trainer, that’s all you need to know,” Selena said as she growled low in her chest.

         “Alright already. So are you really going to the ball?” Eris asked to change the subject.

         “Yes, I am,” Selena responded.

         “Really?” Sierra asked shocked.

         “Yes I am, why?” Responded with a short growl of annoyance. 

         “I was just wondering,” Eris said shrugging her shoulders.

         “Are you going as well, Sierra?” Selena looked at her with a smirk.

         “I don’t know, mother wants me to meet a guy named Haru at the ball, and I don’t want too.” Responded Sierra folding her arms.

        “Hn… Well, I don’t know about you, but I am really looking forward to meeting him.” Selena said smirking.

        “Why do you want to meet him?” Asked Eris.

        “Well, I heard he’s very handsome and strong. Besides, you said yourself that you didn’t want to meet him so I want a crack at him first.” Responded Selena as she looked at Sierra to judge her reaction.

         Kasumi giggled from behind the door at her daughter’s cleverness to get her sister to meet this male.

         Selena sensing her mother looked to the door in her chamber that was her new mother’s chamber, smirked, and called out to her. “You may come in if you wish Kasumi.” Said Selena from her place.

         Kasumi took this as a sign and walked in, everyone besides Selena looked at the woman in awe as she took her place next to Selena.

          “Am I interrupting you girls?” Kasumi asked as she began playing with Selena’s hair.

          “Not at all. Kasumi this is my other sister Sierra, and Eris you already know.” Selena said leaning into her mother’s ministrations pointing to Sierra and Eris.

         “It’s a pleasure to meet you Sierra, and it’s good to see you again Eris.” Said Kasumi with a nod to each girl.

         “It’s good to see you again too.” Responded Eris.

         “So Selena, what if I do want to meet him?” Sierra asked turning back to the conversation.

         “Then you must go to the ball and meet him. Plain and simple.” Selena said looking at her claws.

         “Ok then, I’ll go.” Replied Sierra

         “You will?” Eris asked with a raised brow while Selena just smirked.

         “Yep,” Sierra replied shortly.

         “Well then Kasumi and I need to finish getting ready for the ball, I’m sure you two do as well?” Selena said turning around to face her mirror.

         “Yes.” Sierra stood ignoring Selena’s question and left to her own quarters to get ready.

         “Dress beautifully Sierra, so that I don’t steal your man from you.” Selena said quietly so that only Sierra could hear her, and Kasumi giggled at her daughter.

         “I must be getting ready too,” Eris said as she stands from Selena’s bed.

         “Well then get going,” Selena said with a slight giggle.

         “Alright, I’ll see you downstairs,” Eris said walking to Selena’s door.

         “Yes,” Selena said with a short nod of her head.

         Eris turned and headed out of the chamber and headed to her own. Selena then turned to her mother and smiled.

         “So what kind of thing should I wear to this ball?” Asked Kasumi.

         “Here mother.” She gets up from her chair and walks in front of her mother. “This is for you.” She pulls out a pen-like object from her robes. “It’s a transforming pen. It will transform your clothing to suit the ball or anything else you wish. All you need to do is call out anything you wish and it will transform you.” She hands the pen to her mother.

        “Thanks, pup, I guess it’s my turn to go and get ready,” Kasumi said walking towards her door.

       “Alright, I will see you in a bit when I’m ready myself.” Replied Selena.

       “Ok, see you in a bit,” Kasumi said before heading into her chamber.

       “Pen of Devine Power change me into the most beautiful of all my sisters,” Selena shouts holding up her magical stick.

         At the same time her mother also said her magical phrase, their pens activated and they transformed at the same time. Selena’s clothing had transformed into an elegant burgundy off the shoulder evening dress with a diamond incrusted lace sweetheart bust. On her ears were a pair of diamond studs, and on her feet were a pair of sparkly burgundy colored heels.

         Kasumi's clothing had transformed into a sparkly gold mermaid halter cross back satin evening dress that blended in perfectly with the color of her hair which she had put up in a bun on the top of her head with a few strands framing her face. As their transformations were completed Tenshi knocked on Selena’s door.

         “Enter Tenshi.” Replied Selena from inside the chamber and Tenshi entered the chamber. “Yes Tenshi, what is it? I’m getting ready for the ball.” Selena asked looking at her through her mirror.

         Tenshi‘s eyes widened when she saw Selena, for this was the first time she had seen her in all her royal beauty and she looked beautiful. “My lady, your mother sent me to summon you, your brother, and your sisters. She says the ball will begin soon.” Tenshi said bowing before her.

        “Thank you Tenshi, tell my mother that I shall be down soon.” Replied Selena.

        “Yes, my lady. Now I have to go summon Doshi and your sisters.” Tenshi said heading back towards the door.

        “Good luck Tenshi.” Replied Selena with a smirk.

        Tenshi went out the door and headed to Doshi’s quarters first.

        “Selena?” Kasumi said coming out of her chamber fully dressed. 

        “Wow, you look beautiful mother.” She said turning to look at her mother fully dressed and ready for the ball.

        “So do you my pup, do you think this will be appropriate for the ball?” Kasumi asked twirling a bit.

        “Yes it is, it’s perfect. Let us finish getting ready and head on down.” Selena said turning around in her chair to grab her hairbrush.

 Before Selena could grab the brush Kasumi snatched it off the desk and smiled down at her pup saying, “Let me fix your hair for you my pup.” 

       Giggling lightly she smiled up at her mother in her mirror and said, “Alright.” She then began thinking of what she experienced when they were at her fathers' castle. She looked up again at her mother and asked, “Mother can I ask you something?”

        “Yes, pup.” She responded.

        “I noticed something when I first got my new transformation and was wondering about it.” She started.

        “Uh-huh, go on.” She said continuing her brushing.

        “Since my transformation, I have been able to hear others' thoughts. Is it possible for them to hear mine?” She asked.

        “You can hear others' thoughts?” Kasumi asked surprised.

        “Yes, I can.” She replied.

        “When did this happen?” Kasumi asked.

        “It started happening just after father told me about Doshi. He said something to himself and I heard it. Not sure if he heard mine though, that’s why I asked.” She replied.

        “Ah ok. It’s very normal for full DaiInu chaiura to do that. I have that same power and I use it to hear your fathers’ thoughts and I can also speak with him.” She said as she continued brushing out Selena’s hair. “Though it’s kind of weird you have it now. Only mated mates share this power.” She said.

        “How’s that possible I don’t have a mate yet?” Selena asked while turning to look at her mother.

        “I don’t know, I’ll have to think about it, but I can teach you really quick to block others from reading your mind. If you want to that is.” Said Kasumi.

        “Alright, what should I do?” Selena asked.

        “First I need you to turn around and close your eyes.” She said starting to turn her in the direction she wanted her in. “Ok now, I need you to listen to my voice while we do this.” When she felt her pup nod she continued. “Alright now envision yourself in a small chamber and there’s an open door. Flowing into the door is your thoughts. I want you with your mind to close the door so that the door is blocking your thoughts. This will prevent others from reading your thoughts or hearing them.” She said as she waited.

         Selena nodded and began. She envisioned the door it resembled her mother’s door and noticed all her thoughts flowing into the door. Mentally she walks to the door and begins closing it. Once it was closed she pressed on three corners like she had in her own chamber and it began opening. Smiling to herself she closed the door once again and opened her eyes to see her mother with a smile on her face.

         “Very well done pup, that technique you used to close and open the door will be your way to block people from hearing your thoughts if you don’t want them to hear them. If you do want them to be heard all you have to do is mentally open the door and others will be able to hear your thoughts.” Kasumi said.

        “Thanks for teaching that to me mother. It’ll really come in handy.” Selena said as Kasumi nodded and got to work on Selena’s hair brushing it out, she had put her hair up halfway like her own with one bun on the top of her head with a few strands framing her face. Last she put a diamond elastic band around the bun and a beautiful blue rose in the top of the bun that was on top her head. Now they were finally ready for the ball.

~oOo~

        Tenshi finally reached Doshi’s quarters and knocked on the door.

        “I’m coming. Hold on a sec.” He said as he opened the door to reveal Tenshi on the outside of his door. “What can I do for you Tenshi; I’m getting ready for the ball.” He said fixing his outfit.

       “My lord the Queen sent me to tell you that the ball will be starting soon.” She replied with a short bow.

       “Alright tell the queen that I’ll be there soon.” He replied as he began turning back into his chamber. He stopped though when something came to his mind. “Oh, Um Tenshi can I ask you about Selena. I’m sure you visited her first. How does she look tonight?” He asked her with a slight blush to his cheeks.

      “My lady is beautiful tonight my lord. When I last saw her she was dressed in a beautiful burgundy dress sitting by her mirror finishing up her look.” She replied back to him.

      “Thank you, Tenshi that will be all. Tell the queen I shall be there soon.” He said to her.

      “Yes my lord.” Tenshi bows to him turns and walks off towards Eris’s chambers.

       Inside the room, Doshi was thinking about what Tenshi had just told him, and from what he could gather Selena was truly beautiful, but he would have to wait and see. For now, he continued to get himself ready for the ball. His forest green hair was pulled up into a high ponytail leaving only his long bangs to frame his face. He wore a white hakama and haori with red designs along the bottom of the sleeves and shoulder of the hakama. With the same red juban underneath, a black cape and obi to tie the look together. He was also wearing black boots and carried a sword by his side. Once he was finished he headed down towards the ballroom and waited for the others before he entered.

~oOo~

        Tenshi got to Eris’s door, knocked, and waited for a reply.

       “Yes, who is it?” Eris asked from her side of the door.

       “It’s Tenshi, my lady.” Replied Tenshi from the other side of the door.

       “Oh hey Tenshi, what’s up?” Eris asked as she opens the door.

       “Your mother wanted me to tell you that the ball will start soon,” Tenshi said with a short bow.

       “Alright tell my mother that I’ll be there soon.” Replied Eris.

       “Yes, my lady.” Tenshi turns and heads out the door and heads to Sierra’s quarters.

       Eris returned to finish getting ready she was wearing a light blue ball dress. Her lilac-colored hair was put up in a fancy bun with a silver clip in her hair. She only had to put her makeup on and then she would be ready. Once she was finished she headed down towards the ballroom and waited for the others before she entered.

~oOo~

        Knock… Knock…

       “Huh? Who is it?” Sierra asked from inside the chamber.

       “It’s us, Sierra, may we come in?” Replied Mica from the other side of the door. 

        As both girls entered the chamber Sierra turned to look at them. Mica the taller of the two is a fire elemental chaiura with medium length hair that starts out dark red on top and ends up yellow on the ends. Tanned skin and yellow eyes, and red stripes on her cheeks. Her sister Shiko is a water elemental chaiura with milky white skin with the same length hair that starts out dark blue on top and ends up green on the ends and blue-green eyes. They were both wearing dresses to fit their elements and their hair was put up in ponytails on top of their heads.

         Sierra goes over to them closing her door in the process and said, “Good, I’m glad you’re here, I need you guys to help with something.”

         “Help with what?” Asked Shiko.

         “My mother wants me to meet and possibly mate with Lord Haru, he’s coming to the ball tonight, and I want your help to keep him away from me,” Sierra said finishing up her look. She was wearing a beautiful midnight blue halter dress that hugged her figure just right with diamonds encrusted within the skirt making it appear like the night sky. She had her blue hair pulled on top of her head in pigtails with two beautiful crystal heart barrettes in her hair. 

        “We’ll help anyway we can.” Replied Mica.

        “Thanks you two. When we meet up with Selena later doesn’t let her figure out what we are doing.” Said Sierra

        “Alright, but why?” Shiko asked.

        “Just keep it between us, ok?” Replied Sierra.

        “Ok.” Both of them said with a short nod of their heads.

        Just then there was a knock on her door. Everyone in the chamber went silent as the knock sounded again.

        “My Lady? Are you in there?” Tenshi asked through the door as she knocked.

        “Yes, I am Tenshi. What is it that you need?” Sierra asked from her side of the door.

        “Oh um, your mother sent me to tell you that the ball will start soon.” She said through the door.

        “Thank you for letting me know Tenshi. Tell my mother I will be down there soon. I just have to finish getting ready.” Replied Sierra.

        “Yes, my lady,” Tenshi replied as she turned and headed back to the ballroom.

When Tenshi appeared in the ballroom she went and told the queen of the arrival of her pups as soon as they were ready.

~oOo~

         Back in Selena’s chamber, Kasumi had just finished her own makeup when there was a knock on the door. Knowing who was already on the other side Selena answered them from her place in her chamber.

        “You two may enter,” Selena said to the persons outside the door.

         Selena and Kasumi turned to see Shay Lyn and Ai walk in the chamber and walk towards Selena in greeting. 

          Shay Lyn is a phoenix chaiura with long curly fiery red hair, lightly tanned skin, and beautiful turquoise colored eyes. She’s dressed in a turquoise dress with her hair put up halfway on her head. 

          Ai is a tiger chaiura with medium length orange and black hair. Her skin is tanned with black stripes on the side of her cheeks, three on the left and two on the right, and also two on her upper arms as well as a few stripes on her tail and had piercing red eyes. She has on a smoky black dress with a white ribbon going around the bust with her hair hanging loose in the back of her head. 

          “Wow, you both look beautiful my lady.” Shay Lyn said looking between her lady and the woman standing next to her.

          “Thanks, Shay Lyn, but what have I told you about that title?” Selena asked as she turns towards Shay Lyn.

          “To only address you as my lady when we are around others.” She replied.

          “Very good. Now, what’s up?” Selena asked smiling.

          “Nothing much, we’ve just arrived and wanted to come see you.” Replied Ai as she walked up beside Shay Lyn.

          “Ah ok.” She said as she decided to start introductions. “Shay Lyn, Ai this is Lady Kasumi. She’s my new step-mother.” She turns to her mother. “Mother this is Shay Lyn and Ai. They are my ladies maids and very best friends.” Selena said with a smile.

          “Your stepmother, I never knew you had a stepmother?” Asked Ai.

          “I never knew I had one either until I went to see my father.” Replied Selena.

          “It’s a pleasure to meet you, my lady.” They said together.

          “It’s a pleasure to meet the two of you as well, and I would appreciate it if you wouldn’t refer to me as my lady or Selena’s mother in front of others ok. It’s the only way I am allowed here.” 

          “Ok we’ll keep quiet, what should we call you while you are around?” Asked Shay Lyn.

         “You can address me like you do with Selena. My name is Kasumi. Everyone here including Selena’s siblings knows me as Selena’s trainer and nothing more. So that’s what I will be in front of everyone else.

         “We can both do that no problem.” Replied Ai as Shay Lyn nodded in agreement.

         “Thanks you two.” Said Selena. 

         “It’s no problem at all.” Replied Shay Lyn.

         “Ok. Now that we’ve all gotten acquainted let’s all start heading down to the ball chamber so we can get this ball over with.

         “Ok.” They all replied.

         They all gathered themselves together and headed down to the ballroom. Soon they came upon the short hallway to the ballroom and they all noticed Doshi, Eris, Sierra, and their friends also walking towards the ballroom.

          “Hey, you three are you guys ready for this?” Selena asked them walking up to them.

          Doshi sensed Selena and her entourage approaching the ballroom and when she came into his vision he stood stunned. She was truly beautiful as she walked up to all of them and greeted the three of them with a small bow of his head.

          “I’m ready are you?” Sierra said as she looked at how beautiful her sister was.

          “Definitely,” Selena responded looking at Doshi. She was surprised for he was beautiful in his attire.

          “Then let’s do this,” Doshi said walking up beside Selena holding his arm out for her.

Selena takes his arm and waited for the doors to open. 

           Music began to play and the doors opened revealing all in the ballroom. All present walked forward into the chamber and waited for the majordomo to introduce them.

          “Presenting their royal highnesses Lord Doshi, Ladies Selena, Eris, Sierra, and their entourage!” He said to the crowd. 

          Everyone in the chamber was silent as they walked into the chamber; they all walked down the stairs, bowed to the Queen and the Lord, and took their seats, with Kasumi and Doshi sitting next to Selena.

          “Selena?” The queen said as she looked over at her. She had her blue hair in a low ponytail going down her back and had one golden stripe on each side of her face. She was wearing a sleeveless white ball dress that had a black band with a diamond in the center around her waist that went into a bow around the back of the dress.

          “Yes, what is it, mother.” She replied as she kept her focus on the people dancing.

          “How did you get Sierra to come to the ball without a fight? I know you had something to do with this.” The queen asked.

          “You will see later.” She replied and then turned slightly to Kasumi when she was tapped on the shoulder.

         “Selena, do you think she’ll be nice to you at all?” She asked Selena.

         “Oh I have no doubt about that, she always is around others. You’ll see soon, once our guest arrives.” Selena replied with a sigh.

         “Hn… That woman is starting to get on my nerves.” Kasumi said with a low growl.

         “I know. Most of the time I just tune her out.” Selena said.

         Just then trumpets began to sound signaling the arrival of their guest. The Lord, Queen, and their entourage stood to show respect as they entered the ballroom.

        “Presenting their royal majesties Lord Tashiro, Lady Asami, and their sons. Lords Haru, Delos, and Taro!” The majordomo said to the crowd.

           Lord Tashiro and father of his three sons was a blue/gold Inu chaiura with two golden stripes on each side of his cheeks lime green hair and yellow-green eyes. He wore a yellow-brown hakama and haori, with a black sash tied around his waist. 

            Haru taking after his father is a red/gold Inu that has two golden stripes on the side of his cheeks with green eyes. He’s wearing a blue hakama and haori, with a gray sash tied around his waist.

            Delos the next son had one golden stripe on the side of his cheeks with yellow-green eyes like his father. He was wearing a black hakama and haori with a light gray sash tied around his waist.

            Lady Asami and mate to Lord Tashiro is a blue/red Inu chaiura and has one brown stripe on the side of her cheeks with brown eyes. She is wearing a blue wrap-around dress with sparkles around the bust and skirt of the dress, and she has her shoulder-length lime green hair pulled back away from her face by two beautiful red combs.

           Taro taking after his mother is a blue Inu chaiura with two brown stripes on the side of his cheeks. He is wearing a kimono-like his father except he had green leaves going around the edge of the garment with a dark green sash tied around his waist.

           At the mention of Delos’s name, Doshi began growling. Selena hearing him growling put her hand on his arm and began growling softly to him to calm him down. When he heard her soft growling he stopped and nodded his thanks.

          “She will make a wonderful mate,” Doshi said to himself with a smirk not knowing Selena had just heard him.

           Hearing what Doshi said to himself Selena began blushing and turned back to the guest entering the ballroom. They all went up to the lord, queen, and their court and bowed.

          “Ah, my friends. I’m glad you all were able to make it.” The queen said.

          “Me too old friend.” Replied Tashiro. Azume turned to her mate when she heard him growling and said, “Mate this is Tashiro and Asami, he and his mate are my childhood friends.” Azume finished and turned back to Tashiro. “Tashiro… Asami, this is my new mate Eien.” She said with a smile.

          “Your new mate. Whatever happened to your first one?” Asked Asami.

          “He betrayed me for another, but that’s not important now.” Off to the side, she heard a growl coming from someone and turned to look. She saw that it was Kasumi Selena’s trainer that was growling, and turned to address her pup. “Selena, tell your trainer to hold her growls, they are not wanted here.”

          “I will not, she has every right to growl as she sees fit,” Selena said as she begins her own growling.

          “It’s ok my friend, let’s just move on.” Replied Tashiro.

          “You’re right,” Azume said with a sigh. “Let me introduce to you and your sons; my daughters Selena, Eris, and Sierra.” 

          Selena is the first to step forward and said, “I am Lady Selena firstborn daughter of Queen Azume, and I’m sorry for my attitude majesties. I’m very honored and pleased to meet you.” She said with a short bow.

          “It’s perfectly alright. I know how hard it is to control your temper especially just after transforming.” Replied Tashiro.

          Eris was the next to step forward and said, “My lords and lady my name is Lady Eris second daughter of Queen Azume, and I’m very pleased to hear that you had arrived safely. I am very pleased to make your acquaintance.” She said also with a short bow stopping as she caught sight of one of the lords in front of her. “Oh my that one is very handsome, I love his ears.” She said to herself looking at Taro.

         “Thank you for the warm welcome Eris, I am pleased to meet you as well.” Replied Asami.

         Sierra was the last to step forward and said, “My lords and lady I am Lady Sierra youngest daughter of Queen Azume, and I am so happy you could join us this evening your majesties, and I really hope you enjoy your stay here.” Sierra said with a bow.

         “Thank you, my lady, for your warm hospitality,” Asami responded.

         “Now let me introduce to you and your daughters my sons; Haru, Delos, and Taro.” Lord Tashiro announced.

         Delos walked up to Selena not caring to introduce himself to the Queen and the lord, bowed, took her hand, kissed it and said, “My god she’s gorgeous” to himself as he took in Selena‘s new look. He shook his head and said, “Hello again my lady, I am pleased to see you again.” He finished and bowed before her.

        “My he sure is a pushy one, isn’t he? He didn‘t even introduce himself.” Selena said to herself as Doshi just chuckled beside her. “I am pleased to see you as well, I am glad you kept your promise.” She said sweetly to him.

        “Don’t I always?” He smirked.

        “Hn… yes, you do.” Selena said with a snicker.

         Taking his brother's notion Taro instead of just walking up introduces himself saying, “My Lords and Ladies my name is Lord Taro and I’m very pleased to make your acquaintance.” He finished and then walked up to Eris, taking her hand and kissed it softly. “It’s a great pleasure, my lady.”

         “You are too kind Lord Taro.” She said blushing.

         “Please just call me Taro my lady.” He asked as he kissed her hand again.

         “You’re sweet. You may call me Eris if you like.” She responded.

         Next to walk forward was Haru as he began his introductions.

         “My lords and ladies I am Lord Haru, and I’m very pleased to be here majesties.” He said then he walked up to Sierra and said, “So you must be the princess that I am supposed to get mated to?” He asked as he catches Selena out of the corner of his eye and he turns to fully look at her. “My isn’t she a pretty one.” He says to himself.

          Selena heard what he said and turned to look at him, and then looked back at Delos as he continued talking to her.

          Sierra smiled and said, “Why yes I am.” Sierra became concerned when Haru looked away glancing at something to her right. She glances over to see who he’s looking at. “Haru, who are you looking at?” She asked.

          Hearing Sierra’s question he turned quickly back to her and replied. “Um… No one my lady.” He said as he turned once more to look at Selena.

          Sierra turns her head in Selena’s direction and saw her talking with Delos when she turned to look back at Haru, he was staring again, but this time she knew who he was looking at, it was Selena.

           “Uh! I can’t take this any longer I’m going to the gardens.” Sierra said and walked down the steps and out the ballroom.

           “I’m sorry for my daughters’ outburst.” The queen said with a sigh.

           “It’s ok my friend, sometimes it can’t be helped,” Tashiro responded with a small shrug of his shoulders.

           “Selena, would you be so kind and show the young lords to their chambers?” Lord Eien asked as he turned towards her.

           “As you wish.” She turns to Kasumi already knowing her mother’s question. “You may come too if you wish.” She said and turned back to the princes. “Please follow me.” She said lifting her hand in the direction they were to go.

           “My lord may I go with them.” Asked Doshi.

           “It’s ok with me Doshi.” Replied Eien.

            Selena then walked carefully down the steps with her mother, Doshi, and the lords in toe, leading them to their chambers.

~oOo~

           While walking towards the wing the young lords were to stay in Selena sensed that Haru wanted to say something because he kept looking out the windows and then back at her so she kept walking and waited for the question she knew was coming.

           “My lady, may I ask a question?” Haru asked walking next to Selena.

           “Haru please, call me Selena.” She responded with a sideways glance.

           “Selena, your sister Sierra is she always like that?” He asked.

            Selena took a deep breath and carefully said, “No she’s not always like that. She only gets like that when she gets jealous of something she wants but can’t have, or she something she gets pressured into.” 

            “Jealous? What does she have to be jealous of?” Haru asked with a raised brow.

            With a sigh, she responded, “Do you really have to ask? She’s jealous of me of course. She thinks that you don’t like her and that I’ll steal you away from her.” 

With a raised brow he chuckled lightly and said, “Why would she think that I was under the notion that she didn’t want me to begin with?” 

           “I really don’t know why she thinks that that's the way she's always been, but no need to worry because I have another person in mind for me,” Selena said with a light blush to her cheeks.

           “Oh really, who might that be?” Asked Kasumi as she pulled her back to walk with her.

          She looked around and blushed when all there turned to look at her waiting to hear her answer.

           “Um… I’ll tell you later.” Selena said looking between Doshi and her mother. With that her mother nodded in return.

           Doshi caught on to Selena’s little trick and knew it was he that she was talking about. Now it was time for him to put his plan into motion in getting Selena to become his mate. All he had to worry about is Delos getting in the way of what he wanted. He would have to watch and keep an eye on him. Then suddenly he got a brilliant idea. Turning to Selena he said, “Selena, where are we going?” Doshi asked walking up close behind her.

           “Doshi you know where we’re going. We’re going to the guest wing.” She responded looking back at him.

           “I was just wondering.” He said shrugging his shoulder and then unintentionally opened his mind to his mate. “Perhaps mate would let us sleep in her wing tonight?” His beast asked. “I’m not sure if she would allow that beast.” He replied to his beast, as he thought about it, he smirked and closed the connection with his beast.

           Selena stopped short when she heard the conversation between Doshi and his beast. She smirked and began walking again. All else there wondered why Selena stopped short and shrugged it off as she began walking again.

          “Selena, why did you stop short like that?” Kasumi asked her in her mind.

          “I will tell you when we are alone mother. It has something to do with Doshi.” She responded back.

          “Alright.” She said nodding to her.

          “My Taro you seem quiet, is there anything wrong?” Selena asked glancing back at him.

          “It’s nothing, my lady, just enjoying the view of your home.” He responded.

          “Alright,” Selena said shrugging her shoulder.

          They continued walking through the halls until they came past the royal gardens. That’s when all there picked up Sierra’s angry aura.

          “My lady?” Said Haru

          “Yes, Haru,” Selena responded but kept on walking.

          “Would it be ok if I go see the gardens, I have heard that they are the most beautiful gardens in the entire galaxy?” He asked.

          Selena giggled slightly knowing why he wanted to see the gardens. “Haru as soon as we get you settled into your quarters. You may go any place in the palace that you wish except the northern wing, am I understood?” She said turning slightly towards him.

          “Understood my lady.” He said back.

          “Good, cause we are now in the guest wing, all these rooms are for guest and you may pick any that you wish for your own for your stay here. If a servant is needed you need only pull the red cord hanging from the ceiling and a servant will come to you. Remember the party will start at 5 pm sharp, don’t be late.” Selena said to the young lords.

         “You mean we get to pick our own chambers?” Taro asked.

         “That’s correct Taro, you may pick out any chamber that you like for the duration of your stay,” Selena said turning towards him.

        “Cool thanks,” Haru said as he begins walking through the halls picking his chamber.

        “Thank you, my lady, you have been most kind,” Taro said bowing to her.

        “Thank you, Taro, but it is merely my job to see you to your chambers,” Selena responded.

        “Still I thank you, my lady,” Taro said as he then begins doing the same as his brother, and goes to pick his chamber.

        Selena was waiting until Delos left to find his chamber, when she noticed that he never left her side, wondering what was wrong she turned to him. “Delos. Is everything alright?”  Selena asked.

        “Yes, my lady I was just thinking about which chamber I am going to take.” He responded.

        “Well, why don’t you go look for one?” She asked.

        “Because I’m waiting for my brothers to choose first before I go looking for a chamber.” He stated looking at her.

         “Ah. Very clever.” Selena responded.

         “Thank you. So why is the northern wing off limits?” Delos asked with a smirk.

         “The northern wing is off-limits to guest because they make up Selena’s personal chamber and rooms,” Doshi answered for her with a slight growl to his voice.

         “Ah ok,” Delos said nodding slightly growling at him.

          “It seems your brothers are finished picking out their chambers, why don’t you go pick yours,” Selena said trying to divert the tension between the two males.

          “Alright.” He said as he nodded, kissed her cheek, and walked off. When he found a chamber to his liking he went in and stood by the door to hear what was going on outside.

          Off to the side, Doshi stood growling softly at the look of Delos kissing his mate and his eyes began changing colors.

          Hearing Doshi growling, Selena walked up to face him and noticed his eyes were beginning to change and knew what it meant. She slowly raised both of her hands and gently placed them on the sides of his face directing his vision to herself. Then very quietly she began growling softly to make him calm down.

          Doshi hearing Selena’s soft growls looked down at her as he stopped growling himself and took Selena in his arms holding her there a moment while she wrapped her arms around his slender waist.

          “I must thank you, Selena. If it were not for you I would lose myself to my jealousy.” Doshi said pulling back to look at her.

          “It’s ok Doshi. I know it’s hard to control that urge especially when you want something.” Selena said pulling back when she heard her mother clearing her throat. “So I was thinking Doshi would you like to spend the night in one of the chambers in my wing tonight?” She asked as she turned her head away and began blushing.

          Doshi’s eyes went wide at Selena’s question. “How did she know that?” He asked himself and turned Selena around to face him; suddenly he felt her stiffen and began growling lowly. “What’s wrong?” He asked her softly.

          “Delos is listening in on our conversation.” She said in her Inu voice which only came out as yips and growls to others listening. She chose to speak that way so only he and her mother could understand knowing even though Delos was an Inu he still wouldn’t be able to tell what they were talking about.

          “Why would he be doing that?” Kasumi asked in the same voice.

         “Have no idea?” Selena responded still in her voice turning to her mother.

          “I think I may have an idea of why. I think he’s jealous of me and sees me as a threat to what he wants.” Doshi said in his own Inu voice.

          “Ah, I got it,” Selena said nodding and shaking her head in understanding. “Anyways what say you? Would you like that?” Selena asked as she reached out with her hand and touched his cheek. Immediately she saw when he closed his eyes and enjoyed her touch.               He leaned in more into her touch, just so that the contact would never break. She giggled slightly as a smirk graced her face knowing Delos was probably watching them.

          “I would like that Selena. It will give me more reason to watch over you.” Doshi said wiggling his eyes smirking and put an arm around her.

          “Shall we go then Selena, so he can get settled?” Kasumi asked giggling at the pair.

          “Well, all he has to do really is transfer all his things to a chamber in my wing. So yea let’s go and pick you out a chamber then.”

          “Yes let’s go,” Doshi said as he looked at Delos and smirked. Taking Selena’s waist he leads her out of the wing and they all continued walking until they came to her wing. 

         “So he wants to follow me does he?” Selena asked herself as she released the barrier around her thoughts.

         Hearing what Selena said to herself Doshi extended his senses and found out she was correct. Delos was just outside of Selena’s wing listening in to what they were saying. 

         “So which chamber shall I be staying in?” He said putting an arm around her shoulders and bringing her close.

        “You may have any chamber that you wish Doshi you know which ones are empty.        After you pick the chamber you would like just make sure you tell some servants to bring your things to the room.” Selena said smiling as she looked at her mother smirking at her.

          “Alright,” Doshi said as he turned and began looking around.

          “So what was that pup?” Asked Kasumi telepathically as she turned towards her pup with a raised brow.

          “I don’t know what you mean mother.” She responded with a light blush to her cheeks and used her powers to let Doshi hear their conversation.

         “You know exactly what I mean pup,” Kasumi said putting her hands on her waist.

         “Well… You remember when father introduced Doshi to you. He said that he was an adopted son?” Selena said.

         “Yes, I remember.” She nodded.

         “Well ever since I transformed and then found out about him not being my brother I think Doshi wants me for his mate.” She finished the sentence with a light blush.

         “Do you now. Is he the one you were talking about earlier?” She asked.

Doshi was walking along slowly and was hearing the whole conversation going on between Selena and Kasumi and wondered what her answer would be. So he extended his senses and continued listing.

        “Yes, mother he is.” She responded with a light blush on her cheeks looking at Doshi.

        “Mother? She called that woman mother just now, that must mean she‘s Selena‘s new mother. That‘s probably where she got the gold stripes from, but where did she get my stripes from?” Doshi asked himself as he continued to listen while continuing to look for a chamber suitable to his taste.

         “Is he the one of the Inus who helped you with your transformation?” Kasumi asked.

         “Yes, he was the other was Delos. Doshi though was the one with the most power of the two to help me transform. He’s also the one to give me the blue/green stripes on my face.” Selena said as she saw Doshi smirk and walk towards them.

         “Well then well done my pup, you have chosen well.” She said out loud as Doshi walked up to them.

          “Thank you, mother.” She turns to Doshi. “Have you picked out a chamber yet?” She asked.

          “Yes, I’ll take the one to the right of yours. If that’s ok?” He said.

          “It’s alright with me Doshi. Just make sure you tell some servants to move your things.” She said turning around. 

          “Oh, I will.” He said to her as he wiggled his eyes playfully.

          She giggled at his antics before she turned to both of them and said, “Now that my job is done let's go tell my lord of their guest.” 

          “Yes, let's go before that woman comes looking for you,” Kasumi said with a slight growl to her voice.

          “I’ll be there in a sec Selena I’m going to get my things moved.” Said Doshi.

          “Alright. You know where the cord is to summon them are right?” Selena asked.

          “Yes, Selena I do. Don’t worry.” He said kissing her cheek and walked off. Earning him a growl from Delos and a smile from Selena as she reached up to touch her cheek.

          They both turned and walked off heading towards the ball chamber, while Doshi turned and went to summon a servant to help him get ready for the party and to get his things moved.